Vikings Most Popular Trade Theory Just Died
For a few months, the Minnesota Vikings trade rumor mill has churned out theories involving Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II.
The main Vikings trade rumor involving Browns CB Greg Newsome II is effectively a goner after a key Cleveland injury. You can stick a fork in it.
Vikings boss Kwesi Adofo-Mensah helped draft Newsome II four years ago as a member of the Brown’s front office, before taking the big job in Minnesota. And with Newsome II’s contract up after this season, several NFL media outlets believed a trade to Minnesota this summer or early this season might make sense.
But that idea all but died on Tuesday when Newsome II’s teammate, Martin Emerson Jr., ruptured his Achilles tendon.
Trade Theories for Greg Newsome II Receive Fatal Blow
Newsome II is needed in Cleveland more than ever.
Browns Lose Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr.
NFL Network‘s Mike Garafolo tweeted Tuesday, “Sources to me and Ian Rapoport: Browns CB Martin Emerson Jr. suffered what’s an Achilles injury in today’s practice. He’ll undergo imaging to determine the full extent of the injury but the expectation is it’s a significant tear.”
When confirmed, the injury will put Emerson Jr. on the shelf for approximately one year, thrusting Newsome II off the trade block, if the rumors were true in the first place.
A brutal blow for Cleveland.
And That Cancels Any Theory of Greg Newsome II to Minnesota
The Browns could not lose Emerson Jr. if they had plans to explore a Newsome II trade. Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry may not be able to afford Newsome II for the long haul — the Deshaun Watson contract and its follies still loom large — making Newsome II’s final year in Cleveland probably this season.
Before the Emerson Jr. development, Cleveland might’ve been able to trade Newsome II to a new team for a mid- or late-round pick. Now, Berry and Co. absolutely need Newsome II.
MIN CBs Could Be in Good Shape Regardless
Thankfully, Minnesota’s cornerbacks have looked promising at training camp.
Byron Murphy Jr., a Pro Bowler, needs no explanation or confirmation, but after him on the depth chart, newcomers Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah have strutted their stuff in Eagan over the last week.
There’s depth, too. If an injury rocks a starter, a player like Mekhi Blackmon, Dwight McGlothern, Ambry Thomas, or Zemaiah Vaughn could step up in a pinch.
Browns CBs without Emerson Jr.
These are the Browns’ corners sans Emerson Jr., who would’ve checked in at CB2 or CB3:
- Denzel Ward
- Greg Newsome II
- Nik Needham
- Cameron Mitchell
- Myles Harden
- Chigozie Anusiem
- Anthony Kendall
- LaMareon James
- Dom Jones
Ironically, there’s now a better chance that Cleveland calls Minnesota about a cornerback trade, seeking a player like Blackmon, than the Vikings doing business with the Browns for Newsome II.
Other Trade Target for Minnesota?
If training camp passes and the preseason proves that Minnesota needs a CB upgrade, these players could be available from other teams:
- Jamel Dean (TB)
- Trevon Diggs (DAL)
- Riley Moss (DEN)
- Tariq Woolen (SEA)
It should, though, be considered a long shot for Minnesota to swing a deal for one of those men, mainly because it enjoys its current group.
Browns-Themed Media on Newsome II
BrownsNation.com’s Justin Hussong wrote about Newsome II before the Emerson Jr. development, “Now that the defense is revamped, healthy, and has fans excited again, there is an excess in the secondary, which is why Greg Newsome II has been mentioned in trade rumors. Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson Jr. are the starting cornerbacks, while Newsome will likely get most of his snaps as the nickel.”
“Ward has a history of concussions, so the team likely needs Newsome as insurance, but if the Browns stumble out of the gate and decide giving the pending free agent a new contract isn’t in the cards, there’s a scenario that ends with him being traded.”
Newsome II is suddenly more vital than ever.
“Newsome had 27 combined tackles and one interception in 13 games last season, and after an offseason that involved no notable additions to the secondary, he is still projected to be a factor,” Hussong added.
Newsome told a Cleveland radio station last week, “Obviously, I would love to be here long term. I love the city of Cleveland. At the end of the day, my focus right now is just to do whatever I can to help the team win.
Here’s to hoping that Minnesota’s cornerback room is fine as is.
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